Sandbach School specialises in educating boys. Every aspect of school life is geared to create the right environment for boys to thrive. Statistically evidence from the UK and around the world demonstrates that boys achieve higher results and make better progress in single sex schools. We make no apology for focusing upon academic achievement and setting aspirational targets for our young men. But we balance this with a co-curricular programme of out of class activities which teaches our boys the need for hard work and effort before tasting success. Results academically are impressive: last year 89% achieved a level 4 or above in Maths, 80% in English and 75% gained the old measure of 5A*-C grades including English and Maths. All students left with qualifications which supported their chosen pathway – many returning to our Sixth Form but others gaining prestigious apprenticeships.

In other areas our boys have also excelled. Our aim is always to support them whatever their talent and passion and so the range of opportunity is truly expansive. We have had elite runners taking part by invitation in the London Mini Marathon. Students who have successfully made the national finals in table tennis and cross country. We are U16 county hockey champions and U14 runners-up. U13 Cheshire football champions and Cheshire County finalists in two other age groups. One of our students made the final of the percussion BBC Young Musician of the Year with another winning the best instrumental soloist at the National Youth Brass Band Championships. These are just a few of the successes from last year!

I hope that the website gives you a flavour of our ethos and values. If you would like to know more we warmly welcome you to visit us.

Care, Support and & Guidance

The level of care, guidance and support for students at Sandbach School is something we take very seriously. Our main focus is to raise aspirations across the school through our aspirational target setting system, regular assemblies and study support and mentoring programmes.

What is the Pastoral System like at Sandbach School?

The main school is organised into a strong pastoral system, made up of five year groups, each with a Learning Intervention Manager, Student Support Co-ordinator and a team of Form Tutors. The work of our pastoral system is based on raising achievement and supporting students in every possible way as they progress through the school.

Students will normally remain with the same Form Tutor until the end of Year 11. This means that throughout their time at school they will have a regular member of staff to whom they can turn for help and support.

Tutors meet with their students every day and have a very important role to play in helping them settle into their new school, in encouraging their progress, in detecting any problems which may arise and in helping them to solve them. Tutors also work closely with subject staff to help students who may experience difficulties with any school work.

This structure exists in order to support and enhance the learning of students at Sandbach School.

What will Tutors do for students?

The Tutor is the key figure for all students and their parents in the structure and organisation of the school, and in supporting and furthering students' learning in every way possible. Tutors will:

get to know students as well as possible;

register attendance every morning and ensure that students receive letters, messages, etc;

monitor attendance; praise good attendance and refer any concerns about attendance to the SSC or EWO;

ensure that students understand and adhere to school routines, uniform regulations, fire drill, etc;

ensure that students understand their timetable and help them with their option choices in Y8 and Y11;

check planners on a regular basis;

monitor academic progress and personal well being through regular discussions and target setting, together with regular liaison with the Student Support Coordinator;

monitor home learning and coursework commitments;

advise and guide students on time management, organisational and study skills;

encourage students to participate in the school's reward system;

monitor behaviour and when necessary deal with appropriate sanctions;

make prompt contact with parents when the need arises;

act as, a first point of contact within school for parents if they wish to discuss any aspect of their child’s welfare, work or progress;

meet with parents at Tutor Evening (Year 7) to discuss students progress and needs;

inform parents of the child’s achievements, as well as any difficulties students may have at school ;

liaise with the Learning intervention Manager on any issues that may affect students

How else will students be supported?

We communicate with primary feeder schools to ensure that when students arrive here in Year 7 their needs can be met quickly and effectively on arrival.

The study support programmes are continually being developed in response to student feedback, to support students preparing for examinations. e.g. coursework support, booster classes in most subjects, Easter School, revision classes, and study skills advice and guidance.

Careers advisors work effectively with Sandbach School staff and students in school on a regular basis to provide guidance at times of transition (e.g. Year 8 and Year 11 options, as well as providing advice for students leaving school for college, University and employment).

Students are well prepared for option choices, including through individual interviews, by tutors and senior staff. Advisors from Further Education and Higher Education play an active role in the process.